Unfortunately, the correspondence I have received is simply the hotel information and a flyer with the logistics of where, when, etc..

Thanks!

I found the email and omitted the names to protect the innocent.

Reception Line Protocol

Like all military functions, formal occasions like our Spring Ball have specific guidelines for the proper conduct of the event. Mistakes in protocol often occur at the opening of a formal event in the reception line.

a. The reception line will begin at 1800 hrs. COL..... and are our hosts. The guest of honor for the evening is LTG .......Commander.

b. Women may keep their purses with them as they proceed through the reception line. All additional garments or accessories (coats, hats, umbrellas, etc.) should be checked into the coat check provided in the cocktail area. Etiquette allows for evening gloves to be worn.

c. Drinking and smoking are not allowed in the reception line. All glasses will be placed on a table or left in the cocktail area before individuals proceed through the line.

d. As couples join the reception line, they line up by couples with the gentleman standing on the side near to the receiving line. Once a couple approaches the receiving line, gentlemen allow for the ladies to proceed first through the receiving line in single file order.

e. The "announcer" is the first person in the receiving line. DO NOT SHAKE his or her hand. Introduce yourself and your guest/spouse using last names only. For example, "Mrs. Smith, Sergeant Smith" or "Miss Nelson, Lieutenant Jones."

f. Ladies always proceed first through the receiving line, even if the lady is the service member.

g. When shaking hands, a short but polite greeting is necessary. For example, "Good evening, it is a pleasure to meet you."

h. Everyone is required to go through the receiving line. Color Guard is the only exception.

Comment

They closed the receiving line before I went through because I was fumbling with my bow-tie since I initially forgot it. I showed up with a regular tie but good thing another officer brought an extra-one. There were others will regular ties but I felt out of place not having the one that everyone mostly had.

Comment

What's a Grog Bowl?? (though I'm not sure if I really want to know....LOL)

It's a tradition... though I'd like to say it's probably the worst tradition ever in the history of the Army if you have to drink from it.. If you're only watching other drink from it it's great. It's hard to explain in good detail enough to not make it sound crazy, but I'm sure they will have one...